The Tobacco Industry's Exploitation Of African Children

Children Of Tobacco (2013): Eighty thousand Malawian children are enslaved by a worldwide addiction. Despite serious health risks and missing out on an education, the exploitation continues without effective government or industry action. For similar stories, see: A Perfect Famine - Malawi    • A Perfect Famine - Malawi   Up In Smoke - Malawi    • Up In Smoke - Malawi   Time Bomb Ticking - Malawi    • Video   Subscribe to journeyman for daily uploads: http://www.youtube.com/subscription_c... For downloads and more information visit: http://www.journeyman.tv/film/5985/mc... Like us on Facebook:   / journeymanpictures   Follow us on Twitter:   / journeymanvod     / journeymannews   Follow us on Instagram:   / journeymanpictures   "Without the kids the tobacco would rot", says Josepha, whose son Shepherd works on her tobacco field. Enticed by promises of high incomes and fertiliser loans, peasants are being encouraged to switch from corn to tobacco. In an ironic twist, the little money made from growing tobacco is being spent on corn. Handling tobacco with bare hands equals to absorbing nicotine from fifty cigarettes a day. "People have no idea of what is going on", says doctor Chimbetete, warning of the risks of green tobacco disease. With tobacco representing 60% of Malawi's exports the authorities are turning a blind eye to the situation, and corporate responsibilities programmes are proving a sham. As one commentator states: "They finance these programs to clear their conscience". SBS Australia – Ref. 5988 Journeyman Pictures is your independent source for the world's most powerful films, exploring the burning issues of today. We represent stories from the world's top producers, with brand new content coming in all the time. On our channel you'll find outstanding and controversial journalism covering any global subject you can imagine wanting to know about.